First clothing order: what should you check in the QC photos before accepting?

Clothing Newbie Corner
1

Hi! Total beginner question: on a first clothing order, when the warehouse QC photos arrive, what exactly should I be looking at? Everyone talks about tags and measurements, but I don’t know where to start. There is more detail in Asian sizing: how do I read the size chart without getting it wrong?. :see_no_evil_monkey:

Related threads: How to wash a rep hoodie or tee the first time without shrinking it and Are reps still worth it? Sizing lottery, promo feeds and no-name versions.

2

Welcome! Start with what can’t be fixed: the size and the measurements. A slightly crooked tag you can live with; a garment that doesn’t fit you, you can’t.

3

Exactly. Before the photos even arrive, measure a garment you already like:

  • Tops: pit-to-pit, length, shoulder, sleeve.
  • Trousers: waist, rise, inseam, leg opening.

Then compare with the measurements in the QC photos.

4

And how much difference is “normal”? There’s always a centimetre more or less somewhere.

5

A cm or two is normal variation. Rejecting for that rarely makes sense. Things to watch:

  • :multiply: Several cm off on chest or length, enough to change the fit.
  • :multiply: Tape measure at an angle or loose in the photo → ask for a re-measure.
  • :check_mark: Small differences that match across the whole garment.
6

And the tags? Every thread argues about the neck tag and the wash tag.

7

Tags are where detailed QC guides focus a lot:

  • Spelling and fonts on neck and wash tags.
  • Neat stitching around the tag.
  • Size and care text consistent with the retail reference.

But compare against real retail photos, not the seller’s stock photos.

8

Shop photos don’t count? Why not?

9

Because seller photos are sometimes not the piece you’ll actually get, or they’re edited. QC photos show your piece. Those are the ones that count. :check_mark:

10

Checklist for a first order, from most to least important:

1. Is it the right garment? Model, colour and size. If not → reject.

2. Measurements

  • :check_mark: Within 1–2 cm of your reference garment.
  • :multiply: Several cm off on chest or length → reject or change size.
  • Tape crooked or blurry → ask them to re-measure.

Post the garment laid flat with the tape measure straight from armpit to armpit, like in a QC photo; that makes comparing easy.

3. Visible flaws

  • :multiply: Stains, holes, open seams.
  • :check_mark: Loose threads you can snip, dust.

4. Prints and embroidery

  • Sharp, no smudges, well centred. Compare with real photos of the original.

5. Tags (the fine details)

  • Spelling, typography and clean stitching. Small differences: your call.

6. Unsure? Ask for more photos (close-ups, in daylight) and post them in QC & Legit Check.

Golden rule: size and measurements first. Tags last.

11

Thank you, really! I’m saving this for when I need it. Measurements first. :yellow_heart:

12

And keep your reference measurements saved on your phone. You’ll use them for every single order.